Reid continues to show the way for E-Painters

MANILA, Philippines – Import Arizona Reid has been a solid presence for the Rain or Shine Elasto Painters this conference, and he continued his consistent play with a 27-point, 13-rebound performance against Alaska Sunday night.

Reid’s double-double helped power the E-Painters to a 99-87 victory that allowed them to equalize in their best-of-five PBA Governors Cup semifinal series against the Aces.

Speaking to PBA.ph, Reid said he wasn’t about to let the E-Painters go down 0-2 to Alaska, especially since it is a short series.

"We knew we had to come out and play hard," said Reid. "Going down 0-2 is not an option in a best-of-five series"”

"I was happy that we were able to tie the series at 1-1, and hopefully, we get to win on Tuesday," he added.

Reid scored 20 of his 27 points in the first half, but also did his part on the defensive end, especially with Gabe Norwood out due to a foot injury.

"It's tough, because I need to guard (Alaska import Henry) Walker. I got to burn a lot of energy on defense, and then come down and score, which is very difficult," Reid admitted.

"But this is my job," he added. "They paid me to do this, so I have to do what I got to do."

Reid’s teammates, including star guard Paul Lee, have expressed their desire to move past the semi-final round this time around, and the import said he shares that notion, which is why he is willing to do whatever the team needs him to do.

"When my teammates need me to score, I score. When they need me to play defense, I play defense," he said.

"I'm not trying to win the scoring title. I'm trying to get to the Finals and win a championship. Whatever my team needs me, I’m gonna do it," he stressed.

The key for Rain or Shine in Game 3 is to show the same intensity that led them to victory in Game 2, said Reid.

"If we get the same intensity (in Game 3), we're good," he said. "I felt like we came out flat in Game 1, and we were better in Game 2… I'm just thankful that we came through and got the win."